Great Horned Owl "Orion"

Animal Summary

Mr. Owl came to the zoo in 1994 after receiving and injury in the wild and rehabbing to correct the wing. He travels from branch to branch in his tree to get to his food because he is not able to use his injured wing at all.

Facts

The large facial disks around the eyes of Great Honed Owls funnel sound waves to the owl’s ears.

The Great Horned Owl has soft, saw-toothed edges on its flight feathers that reduce noise, allowing it to fly silently when hunting.

Owls have large eyes with light-sensitive cells and a rounded, dish-like face that concentrates sound.

Conservation

Great Horned Owl populations are robust.

Threats

Great Horned Owls are threatened by habitat destruction which reduces prey populations and clearing of forests which reduces rooting and nesting sites.